USA: Animal Welfare Law Causes Egg Shortage

An animal welfare measure set to take effect on 1 January 2022 could lead to an egg shortage in Massachusetts, USA.

The supply of pork is also expected to be affected.

The law, which stems from a 2016 ballot initiative, prohibits the sale of eggs in Massachusetts from hens that have less than 1.5 square metres of floor space. In addition, hens must be able to spread both wings without touching the sides of the enclosure.

The current regulation allows chickens only 1 square metre of space.

Similarly, pork producers must ensure that their pigs are not kept in enclosures where they cannot lie down, stand up, turn around, and fully extend their limbs.

Starting next year, keeping an animal in an enclosure that is too small can be punished with a fine of $1’000 per violation. This also applies to the sale of shell eggs as well as whole veal and pork from animals kept under conditions that do not meet the size standards.

Egg producers argue that restructuring their current systems is too costly and time-consuming. However, supporters of the legislation point out that the industry has already had years to make the changes.

Armageddon for Eggs

Products that already contain eggs, such as baked goods, are exempt from the regulation and can continue to be sold as usual.

Restaurants may also still source eggs from suppliers who comply with the space requirements. However, according to the New England Brown Egg Council, more than 90% of eggs currently sold in Massachusetts do not meet the standards and will therefore be unsaleable.

«This will lead to an enormous shortage«, said Country Hen's executive director Robert Beauregard to Spectrum News. «I will probably be able to sell every egg I have because I comply with the law. But it's not just about Country Hen. It's about the consumers in Massachusetts and their need for this product«.

The news agency pointed out that in Massachusetts there are «not enough» eggs for the approximately seven million residents of the state. As a result, some buyers have started stockpiling eggs and bacon, reports Mass Live.

Steve Vendemia, president of Hillendale Farms Connecticut, said back in June that the legislation would lead to an «egg Armageddon».

Complications for restaurants

Governor Charlie Baker commented: «The estimates that exist say that most people will have no access to eggs at all, and if they do, the price will rise by 40% or more.«

Industry players have lobbied for the legislation to be amended before the turn of the year. Lawmakers discussed the issue last weekend, but as of now the legislative plans remain in effect.

Mark Amato is president of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation. He said that although the association opposed the 2016 referendum, the voices of the public should be heard.

«I know that egg producers from outside the state are very concerned and unhappy about it», he said. «The fact is that the voters of Massachusetts have spoken and we do not think it is appropriate for the legislature to make such changes.»

Animal rights groups have been advocating for changes to cage housing and spacing laws for some time — and not only in Massachusetts. Many, however, believe there is no humane way to confine birds and other animals for food purposes.

PETA, considered the world's largest animal rights organization, urges the public to boycott animal products entirely. The group has already made its position on the matter clear:

«There is no humane or ethical way to eat animals — so if people are serious about protecting animals, the environment, and their fellow human beings, the most important thing they can do is stop eating meat, eggs, and dairy products.«